Tinker dances with the dusk of shadows

Drinking in the darkness of birth

Glimmering portals covered in cob webs

Smoke gives way to the mirror’s illusion

A locked key slipping through door ways

Planets orbiting in the wrong fashion

Longing for home

Words romance me

Wondering if your shrew can ever be tamed

Wishing for strength to put his hands upon me

And caress the hidden corners of my mind

But aye, I am left here

To awaken to naught

Lusting leaves me in an empty bed whispering your name

Wish me upon a stage where we have writ the words

To play out an ancient verse

The curtain drops

Upon my naked flesh

Let me die under the stars

And utter sweet nothings to your ear’s devotion

Surrendering to silence

Til the years bleed out madness

And the seas are calmed to tears

— Melissa Diana

Winner, Second Place, Eye On Life Poetry Contest 2010-2011